After years of living in fear due to natural disasters, the Mong ethnic people in Pu Hao border village, Muong Lan commune, Sop Cop district, Son La province can now settle down and feel secure.

"Previously, landslides and mud flowed into our gates and doorways. I was terrified because my husband wasn't home, so I cried all night and had to flee to another village. I was very worried and scared; I didn't dare sleep at home during the rainy season... Now that the government has shown concern and moved us to a new residential area, we are very happy and excited," recalled Ms. Song Nu Chi, a resident of Pu Hao village.

Amidst the vast green forest, the border village emerges in vibrant colors.

Amidst the lush green mountains, the border village emerges in vibrant colors, with new, sturdy, and spacious houses. Of the 146 households, more than 60 in Pu Hao village were relocated due to natural disasters, damaged homes, and high-risk areas. Since April 2024, these households have been moved to a resettlement site located nearly 3 kilometers from their previous residences.

New, sturdy, and spacious houses have been erected in the resettlement area following the natural disaster.

The day the last houses were completed also marked the arrival of spring in the Mong ethnic minority village. Ms. Thao Thi Chia, a resident of Pu Hao, was very excited: "This year, with new houses, Tet (Lunar New Year) will be bigger than last year. We'll celebrate Tet and the new house, inviting our parents and relatives from the village to join in the festivities. We'll prepare sticky rice cakes, a pig, and a few chickens to celebrate Tet with our neighbors."

Despite a year filled with difficulties as people strived to establish new lives, the people of Pu Hao continued to work hard in production, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) with the joy of a bountiful harvest and good prices for their crops. Along with hundreds of hectares of corn and cassava, and over 6,000 head of livestock and poultry, coffee plants will soon take root in this land.

The day the last houses were completed also marked the arrival of spring in this border village.

Not only has Pu Hao risen to become the most prosperous of the eight highland border villages in Muong Lan commune, Sop Cop district, but it is also a vivid testament to the perseverance and unwavering will of those who protect their land and villages on the nation's frontier. In particular, there are no longer sad stories of migration or law violations; even those who once went astray have now risen up, contributing to the community's efforts to build a peaceful village.

Mr. Song A Dia, Party Secretary and head of Pu Hao village, shared: "Pu Hao borders Laos, and the Party committee and government have directed officials, organizations, and the people to work with forces to patrol and manage the border markers... Even during holidays, I always accompany the patrol forces, propagating and mobilizing people to comply well with the Party and State's policies and border regulations, monitoring the situation and reporting to the competent authorities if any problems occur in the border area."

The Hmong people here have gradually settled into their new lives.

As an officer of the Muong Lan Border Guard Post, Son La Border Guard Command, and serving as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong Lan commune, Major Lo Van Vui has been closely associated with the people in the border region for many years. He has advised and proposed to higher authorities on relocation plans and ensuring production for the people when they move to new settlements.

According to Major Vui, border guards, police, militia, and other forces have regularly visited the villages, implementing the "3 close ties, 4 together" approach, and working alongside the local people.

"This year is very encouraging. The people have settled into the new residential area, ensuring the well-being of affected and potentially vulnerable households. In this joyful atmosphere, the Party Committee, the government, and the officers and soldiers of the Muong Lan Border Guard Post also organized Tet celebrations for the people, encouraging them to settle into their new homes and to work together to effectively protect the sovereignty and security of the border in the locality," Major Vui said.

People in border areas are united and contributing their efforts alongside the forces protecting national sovereignty and border security.

"A stable home" is perhaps a special gift for the Pu Hao people in particular, as well as many villages affected by natural disasters in the highlands of Son La and Northwest Vietnam this spring. A warm roof over their heads, along with special care and attention, will surely give these people from the border region the motivation to overcome difficulties and rise above their circumstances; so that their steady steps will continue to extend across the borderland that they wholeheartedly protect day and night.

Source: vov.vn